Ehf enabled display systems

ABSTRACT

Display systems that use contactless connectors for transmitting data are provided. The contactless connectors are electromagnetic connectors that form an electromagnetic communications link. The electromagnetic communications link can be established within different locations of the same device, or between two different devices. The communications link can be established using at least two transceivers. The transceivers can be incorporated in different enclosures that are hinged together, or the transceivers can be incorporated within a hinge that enables two enclosures to move with respect to each other. A transceiver can be incorporated into a display device that can receive data from an active surface that has a transceiver. When the display device is placed on the active surface, the display device may serve as an access point to content contained within the active surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of the following U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/681,792, filed Aug. 10, 2013;61/738,297, filed Dec. 17, 2012; 61/799,510, filed Mar. 15, 2013; and61/799,593, filed Mar. 15, 2013. This patent application is acontinuation in part of the following U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/963,199, filed Aug. 9, 2013; Ser. No. 13/760,089, filed. Feb. 6,2013; Ser. No. 13/776,727, filed Feb. 26, 2013; and Ser. No. 13/848,735,filed. Mar. 22, 2013. Each of the aforementioned disclosures isincorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This patent specification relates to display systems. More particularly,this patent specification relates to display systems that usecontactless data transmission circuitry.

BACKGROUND

Conventional displays typically require a hard-wired connection todisplay data. This may be especially true for high-resolution displaysthat display data at full uncompressed resolutions. Examples ofhard-wired connections include HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, and MHL. Suchhard-wired connections can impose several design constraints or can besubject to physical wear and tear. For example, the mechanical andphysical limitations of connectors connecting one device (e.g., set-topbox or computing device) to another device (e.g., display) can limit thespeed of connection between the two devices. As another example, theform factor of the connector can dictate the design of the device (e.g.,display). As a specific example, the dimensions of the connector can bea limiting factor in the size of an electronic device's housing. As yetanother example, for laptop devices, the mechanical hinge can presentissues in routing signals from a processing board to a display. Theissues can be manifested in terms of signal integrity, bandwidth, andmechanical durability. Moreover, devices that use rotatable displaysand/or removable displays may subject to some of the same issues as theexperienced by laptop devices.

Accordingly, display systems that eliminate problems of conventionaldisplay connectors are needed.

SUMMARY

Display systems that use contactless connectors for transmitting dataare provided. The contactless connectors are electromagnetic connectorsthat form an electromagnetic communications link. The electromagneticcommunications link can be established within different locations of thesame device, or between two different devices. In either approach.,transceivers may be used to convert electrical signals toelectromagnetic (EM) signals. One transceiver may convert electricalsignals to EM signals that are received by another transceiver thatconverts the EM signals to electrical signals. These two transceiverscan form a point-to-point contactless communication link, sometimesreferred to herein as a coupled-pair, that requires no physical wiredconnection to transmit data from one location to another. Thetransceivers can be extremely high frequency (EHF) transceivers.

One or more of the coupled pairs of transceivers can be incorporatedinto or in close proximity of a hinge that enables two enclosures of anelectronic device to move with respect to each other. For example, inone embodiment a system can include a first enclosure that includes adisplay and a first extremely high frequency (EHF) transceiver, and asecond enclosure that includes a second EHF transceiver, The first andsecond enclosure can be movably coupled together by at least one hinge,wherein the first enclosure can move with respect to the secondenclosure according to a predetermined range of motion. A closeproximity coupling (“CPC”) can exists between the first and second EHFtransceivers to enable contactless data transfer between the first andsecond enclosures regardless of a position of the first enclosure withrespect to the second enclosure.

In other embodiment, an extremely high frequency (EHF) waveguide hingecan incorporate at least one coupled pair of transceivers and awaveguide. In particular, the hinge can include a first hinge memberhaving a first waveguide member and a first EHF transceiver, wherein thefirst waveguide member at least partially encompasses the first EHFtransceiver, and a second hinge member having a second waveguide memberand a second EHF transceiver, wherein the second waveguide member atleast partially encompasses the second. EHF transceiver. The first andsecond hinge members can be coupled together via the first and secondwaveguide members and a close proximity coupling can exist between thefirst and second EHF transceivers to enable contactless data transferbetween the first and second hinge members regardless of a position ofthe first hinge member with respect to the second hinge member. Thefirst and second waveguide members assist in preserving the closeproximity coupling. In particular, the waveguide members can furtherpromote a dielectric coupling of the electromagnetic link formed betweeneach coupled-pair.

The display systems according to various embodiments can include aself-contained, highly portable, EHF enabled display apparatus that isoperable to receive data from an “active surface” via a close proximitycoupling that exists between the EHF enabled display apparatus and theactive surface, and that processes the data for presentation on the EHFenabled display. The EHF enabled display apparatus can be a relativelysimple device that includes a display, a display controller, and EHFtransceivers, and optionally can include input circuitry such as touchsensors. The active surface may be an apparatus that can provide data,including display data, to the EHF enabled display apparatus via EHFtransceivers. In addition, the active surface may have limited inputcapabilities, and may be devoid of a display. In some embodiments, theEHF enabled display apparatus can serve as a user interface to adevice—the active surface—that does not have a user interface. Ineffect, it serves as a gateway or window to content contained andgenerated by the active surface without needing the circuitry orresources necessary for independently generating and presenting suchcontent itself.

The content supplied by the active surface may vary depending on anysuitable number of factors. For example, different active surfaces mayprovide different content. As another example, different EHF enableddisplay devices being used on the same active surface may be presentedwith different data based on different access privileges. As a specificexample, a first user may be presented with a first level of data,whereas a second user may be presented with a second level of data.

The EHF enabled display can function as an access point for enabling auser to access content stored in the active surface apparatus, forauthenticating a user of the EHF enabled display to the active surfaceapparatus, or for conducting a secured transaction. In some embodiments,the EHF enabled display can be used for two-factor authentication. Inputcircuitry contained within the EHF enabled display apparatus can, forexample, process pin codes, finger prints, facial recognition, or retinarecognition as an authentication factor.

In some embodiments, the EHF enabled display apparatus may only beoperative when it is placed in close proximity of an active surface.Thus, when it is not in proximity of the active surface, the EHF displayapparatus may be a non-functional, inert device. However, when the EHFdisplay apparatus is placed on the active surface, a close proximitycoupling can be established that enables the active surface to providedata to the display apparatus. The EHF display apparatus can thendisplay the information. In some embodiments, the EHF display apparatuscan simply function as a display of content sourced by the activesurface. In other embodiments, the EHF display apparatus can enable auser to interact with content sourced by the active surface byprocessing input commands (e.g., touch-screen inputs, fingerrecognition, etc.) and provide those inputs to the active surface.

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the embodimentsdiscussed herein may be realized by reference to the remaining portionsof the specification and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows an illustrative schematic diagram of an electronic device,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 1B shows an illustrative schematic diagram of another electronicdevice, according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 2A-2C show several different electronic devices that use differenthinges, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2D shows an illustrative view of a tablet, according to someembodiments;

FIGS. 2E-2G show several illustrative views of a tablet interfacing witha docking station, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2H shows an illustrative top view of a portion of a hinge,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2I shows an illustrative top view of a portion of another hingewith several dielectric coupling members, according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 3A shows an illustrative hinge, according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 3B-3D show illustrative cross-sectional views of a hinge,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4A shows an illustrative hinge with waveguides, according to someembodiments;

FIGS. 4B-4D show illustrative cross-sectional views of a hinge withwaveguides, according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 4E-4H show different views of a device in differentconfigurations, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4I shows an illustrative cross-sectional view of a hinge thatincludes a dielectric coupling member, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 5 shows an illustrative EHF waveguide hinge, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 6 shows an illustrative EHF waveguide hinge, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 7 shows a detailed illustrative view of a portion of the EHFwaveguide hinge of FIG. 6, according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 8A-8C show different views of a device using EHF waveguide hingesaccording to some embodiments;

FIG. 9 shows a partially exploded perspective view of a EHF waveguidehinge, according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 10A and 10B show illustrative top views of different male andfemale hinges in which EHF transceivers are mounted in multiplelocations with respect to a center axis, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 11 shows an illustrative cross-sectional view of a laptop apparatusthat uses a self-levitating hinge that uses EHF transceivers fortransmitting data via a close proximity coupling, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 12 shows an illustrative system including a contactless displayapparatus and an active surface apparatus, according to someembodiments;

FIGS. 13A and 13B show different illustrative views of content beingpresented on a contactless display apparatus, according to someembodiments; and

FIGS. 14A and 14B show illustrative cross-sectional views of contactlessdisplay apparatus being placed on an active surface apparatus, accordingto some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the various embodiments. Those of ordinary skill in theart will realize that these various embodiments are illustrative onlyand are not intended to be limiting in any way. Other embodiments willreadily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit ofthis disclosure.

In addition, for clarity purposes, not all of the routine features ofthe embodiments described herein are shown or described. One of ordinaryskill in the art would readily appreciate that in the development of anysuch actual embodiment, numerous embodiment-specific decisions may berequired to achieve specific design objectives. These design objectiveswill vary from one embodiment to another and from one developer toanother. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effortmight be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routineengineering undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art havingthe benefit of this disclosure.

The acronym. “EHF” stands for Extremely High Frequency, and refers to aportion of the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum in the range of 30 GHz to300 GHz (gigahertz). The term “transceiver” may refer to a device suchas an IC (integrated circuit) including a transmitter (Tx) and areceiver (Rx) so that the integrated circuit may be used to bothtransmit and receive information. (data). Generally, a transceiver maybe operable in a half-duplex mode (alternating between transmitting andreceiving), a full-duplex mode (transmitting and receivingsimultaneously), or configured as either a transmitter or a receiver. Atransceiver may include separate integrated circuits for transmit andreceive functions. The terms “contactless,” “coupled pair,” and “closeproximity coupling” as used herein, refer to the implementingelectromagnetic (EM) rather than electrical (wired, contact-based)connections and transport of signals between entities (such as devices).As used herein, the term “contactless” may refer to a carrier-assisted,dielectric coupling system which may have an optimal range in the zeroto five centimeter range. The connection may be validated by proximityof one device to a second device. Multiple contactless transmitters andreceivers may occupy a small space. A contactless link established withelectromagnetics (EM) may be point-to point in contrast with a wirelesslink which typically broadcasts to several points.

It is to be appreciated that while one or more EHF frequency embodimentsare described further herein in the context of being used in an EHFenabled display device, a laptop computer or a tablet, the scope of thepresent teachings is not so limited. More generally, the EHF frequencyembodiments are applicable to a wide variety of devices that use one ormore hinges of various designs, including, for example, pivot, swivel,detachable, or a combination thereof. Further, it is understood thatwhile terms such as user, and the like may be used to refer to theperson or persons who are interacting with the hinge in the context ofone or more scenarios described herein, these references are by no meansto be considered as limiting the scope of the present teachings withrespect to the person or persons who are performing such actions.

The RF energy output by the EHF transceivers described herein may bebelow FCC requirements for certification or for transmitting anidentification (ID) code which would otherwise interrupt data flowduring the data transfer. Reference is made to 47 CFR. §15.255(Operation within the 57-64 GHz), which is incorporated by referenceherein. The RF energy output can be controlled such that there is noneed to beacon. The energy output can be controlled using, for example,metal and/or plastic shielding.

FIG. 1A shows an illustrative schematic diagram of electronic device 100according to an embodiment. Device 100 can include enclosure 110,enclosure 120, and hinge 130. Enclosures 110 and 120 can be movably ordetachably coupled together via hinge 130 and can move with respect toeach other and/or be detached from each other. Enclosures 110 and 120can each include various circuitries. For example, as shown, enclosure110 can include EHF transceivers 111 a-e, processor 112, memory 113, andother circuitry (not shown). Enclosure 120 can include EHF transceivers121 a-e, processing element 122, memory 123, display circuitry 124,speakers 125, camera 126, and other circuitry (not shown). Inembodiments where device 100 is a laptop type of device, enclosure 110can include the keyboard portion of the laptop and enclosure 120 caninclude the display portion of the laptop.

During operation of device 100, data can be transmitted betweenenclosures 110 and 120 via EHF transceivers 111 a-e and 121 a-e. Each oftransceivers 111 a-e (of enclosure 110) can be close proximity coupledto a respective one of EHF transceivers 121 a-e (of enclosure 120). Forexample, EHF transceivers 111 a and 121 a can be contactlessly coupledtogether, EHF transceivers 111 b and 121 b can be contactlessly coupledtogether, and so on. Each EHF transceiver pair coupling can provide acontactless data pathway, conduit, or channel. In some embodiments, thedata conduits can be one-way (e.g., data flows from enclosure 110 toenclosure 120 via a particular conduit) or two-way (e.g., data flowsbi-directionally between enclosures 110 and 120 via a particularconduit). In some embodiments, device 100 can have a predeterminednumber of dedicated one-way conduits for carrying data from enclosure110 to enclosure 120 and a predetermined number of dedicated one-wayconduits for carrying data from enclosure 120 to enclosure 110. Forexample, a dedicated one-way conduit can carry graphics data generatedwithin enclosure 110 for display on enclosure 120 and another dedicatedone-way conduit can carry image data generated by camera 126 withinenclosure 120 for use by circuitry contained in enclosure 110. In otherembodiments, device 100 can include one or more two-way conduits. In yetanother embodiment, device 100 can include a combination of one-way andtwo-way conduits. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, each of the EHF contactlesscouplings can be single conduit couplings in which only one data pathexists for each coupling. This is merely illustrative, and it isunderstood that an EHF contactless coupling can include multipleconduits.

FIG. 1B shows illustrative electronic device 101 having a multipleconduit EHF contactless coupling. In particular, EHF transceiver 119 (ofenclosure 110) can form a multiple conduit contactless coupling with EHFtransceiver 129 (of enclosure 120). A multiple conduit contactlesscoupling can transmit a greater amount of data than a single conduitcontactless coupling. Device 101 can also include EHF transceivers 118and 128, which can form a single conduit contactless coupling.

An advantage of using the EHF contactless couplings for enabling datatransfer between enclosures is that this contactless coupling replacesphysical mediums conventionally used to transfer data. Such physicalmediums can include, for example, wires, flexible printed circuitboards, and connectors. Since physical mediums can be bent or subject tovarious forces during use of conventional devices constructed with suchmediums (e.g., repeated opening and closing of a laptop), the physicalmediums can fail. In a laptop example, a failed physical medium canrender the display useless when the pathway that carries display data issevered. The EHF contactless couplings used in embodiments discussedherein are not subject to the same mechanical failure issues because thedata is transmitted via close proximity coupling. However, the absenceof a physical transmission medium can introduce a different type ofconnectivity issue—an issue for ensuring that data is contactlesslytransmitted and received regardless of the position of one enclosurewith respect to the other.

Thus, depending on the type of hinge 130, enclosures 110 and 120 canmove in all sorts of directions with respect to each other. For example,FIGS. 2A-2C shows several different electronic devices that usedifferent hinges according to various embodiments. In particular, FIG.2A shows device 210 that has one or more pivot hinges 211 that canenable enclosure 212 to pivot with respect to enclosure 213. As shown,EHF transceiver 214 may be incorporated into enclosure 213 and EHFtransceiver 215 may be incorporated into enclosure 212. Alternatively,one or both of EHF transceivers 214 and 215 may be incorporated intohinge 211. Device 200 can, for example, be a laptop computer.

FIG. 2B shows illustrative device 220 having rotation hinge 221 that canenable enclosure 222 to rotate or swivel with respect to enclosure 223.In some embodiments, rotation hinge 221 may also pivot, thereby enablingenclosure 222 to pivot and rotate with respect to enclosure 223. Forexample, the enclosure 222 can be pivoted down on top of enclosure 223such that the display side is facing down, or it can be rotated andpivoted down on top of enclosure 223 so that the display side is facingup. If desired, in some embodiments, enclosure 222 can be removed fromenclosure 223. In some embodiments, EHF transceiver 224 may beincorporated into enclosure 223 and another EHF transceiver (not shown)may be incorporated in hinge 221.

FIG. 2C shows illustrative device 230 having detachable hinges thatenable enclosure 233 to be detachably removed from enclosure 234.Enclosure 233 may include hinge portions 231 that interface with hingeportions 232 of enclosure 234. In some embodiments, when enclosure 233is mated with enclosure 234, via hinge portions 231 and 232, thecombined hinge may enable the enclosure to move with respect to eachother, for example, in a manner similar as to how the hinges of device210 or device 220 can move. As shown, EHF transceivers 235 a and 235 bmay be incorporated into enclosure 234, and EHF transceivers 236 a and236 b may be incorporated into hinge portions 231. It is understood thatthe placement of the EHF transceivers is illustrative, and that the EHFtransceivers may be placed in other locations within enclosures 233 and234 or within hinge portions 231 and 231.

FIG. 2D shows an illustrative view of a tablet and FIGS. 2E-2G showseveral illustrative views of a tablet interfacing with a dockingstation, according to various embodiments. Tablet 240 may includeinteractive display 241 for simultaneously displaying information andprocessing inputs (e.g., via stylus or one or more fingers). Tablet 240may also include EHF transceivers 242 for contactlessly transmittingand/or receiving data from another device. FIGS. 2E-2G shows that thisother device can be docking station 245. Docking station 245 can be anysuitable device for communicating data to and/or receiving data fromtablet 240. In one embodiment, docketing station 245 can be an inputdevice such as a keyboard. Docking station 245 can include slot 246 forreceiving and holding tablet 240 in place, as shown in FIG. 2E. Ifdesired, slot 246 may enable tablet 240 to pivot. In addition, dockingstation 245 can include EHF transceivers 247 (only one of which isshown), which may form a close proximity communication link with EHFtransceiver 242 when tablet 240 is placed in close proximity of dockingstation 245. FIG. 2F shows that tablet 240 may be secured to dockingstation 245 in a face down position (e.g., so that the tablet anddocking station can be stowed away). FIG. 2G shows that tablet 240 maybe secured to docking station 245 in a face up position (e.g., so that auser can interact with the tablet even though the input function thedocking station is not accessible). In this configuration, EHFtransceivers 242 may communicate with one or more of EHF transceivers248, which are distributed along a different portion of docking station245.

Regardless of the position of one enclosure with respect to the other,the close proximity coupling formed between two EHF transceivers ispreferably preserved. In some embodiments, the close proximity couplingcan be preserved by aligning respective pairs of EHF transceivers ondifferent portions of the hinge. In these embodiments, the closeproximity coupling can be maintained by ensuring that a physicalseparation between each coupled pair does not exceed a thresholdthroughout the hinge's entire range of motion. This limitation onphysical separation may be particularly suitable for devices that have aclamshell pivot action (e.g., device 210 of FIG. 2). In addition, thespacing between adjacent EHF transceivers may also need to be fixed at aminimum distance to ensure that a coupled pair of EHF transceivers doesnot interfere with another coupled pair of EHF transceivers.

FIG. 2H shows an illustrative top view of a portion of hinge 250 withseveral coupled pairs of EHF transceivers, according to variousembodiments. The actual hinge portions that enable a pivot and/orrotation motion are not shown to assist in clearly illustrating spacingrequirements within and among coupled pairs of EHF transceivers. Hinge250 can include hinge member 251, which has EHF transceivers 252 a-252 dmounted thereon, and hinge member 255, which has EHF transceivers 256a-256 d mounted thereon. Transceivers 252 a and 256 a may form a coupledpair, transceivers 252 b and 256 b may form a coupled pair, and so on.Each transceiver is shown to be located on an edge of either hingemember 251 or hinge member 255. The gap or distance between members 251and 255 can be defined by d_(pivot) _(_) _(angle), where d_(pivot) _(_)_(angle) can depend on the angle at which one hinge member is movedrelative to another hinge member. For example, in a butterfly pivot-typeof hinge, d_(pivot) _(_) _(angle) may be greatest when the hinges are180 degrees apart and d_(pivot) _(_) _(angle) may be shortest when thehinges are 90 degrees apart.

The distance d_(pivot) _(_) _(angle) preferably does not exceed apredetermined threshold so that close proximity coupling signalsemanating from one transceiver (e.g., transceiver 252 a) can traversethe gap between the coupled pair of transceivers (e.g., transceivers 252a and 256 a) and be received by its coupled pair transceiver (e.g.,transceiver 256 a) without interfering with any other coupled pair oftransceivers (e.g., transceivers 252 a and 256 a). The close proximitycoupling signals are shown emanating from transceivers 252 a, 252 c, and252 d, though it is understood that any transceiver can emit closeproximity coupling signals and receive close proximity coupling signals.Additional details on how transceivers emit and receive contactlesssignals can be found, for example, in commonly owned, co-pending U.S.Publication No. 2012/0263244, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

In order to prevent cross-talk among adjacent coupled pairs, thedistance between adjacent pairs preferably exceeds a minimum distance.Cross-talk can be a potential issue when each coupled pair is operatingon the same carrier frequency. It may not be practical to have eachcoupled pair operate on different carrier frequencies due to regulatoryrequirements. Another reason it may not be practical to use differentcarrier frequencies for each coupled pair may be because a relativelylarge number of coupled pairs are being used (e.g., such as 10, 20, or100 pairs). Considering, for example, coupled pairs formed bytransceivers 252 a and 256 a, and transceivers 252 b and 256 b, thedistance between the coupled pairs is defined by d_(air). This distance,d_(air), may be the minimum distance required to avoid cross-talk forthe entire potential range of distances of d_(pivot) _(_) _(angle) whenthe primary medium separating the coupled pairs is air. That is, thereis no shielding (such as shield members 253 and 257) disposed betweenadjacent coupled pairs or waveguides (such as waveguides 254 or 258) tofocus direction of contactless signals emanating from one transceiver toanother. Thus, in the “only air” embodiments, d_(air) must be greaterthan d_(pivot) _(_) _(angle). In some embodiments, d_(air) may be twicethe distance of d_(pivot) _(_) _(angle).

The addition of shield members 253 and 257 can enable the distancebetween adjacent EHF transceivers on the same board to be reduced, atleast relative to the distance of the “air only” embodiment. Forexample, in “shield embodiments” the distance can be defined byd_(shield). The distance, d_(shield), can be less than d_(air). Thedistance, d_(shield), can be greater than, equal to, or less thand_(pivot) _(_) _(angle), depending on a variety of factors, with onefactor being the effectiveness of the shielding. The more effective theshielding, then the probability that d_(shield) can be less thand_(pivot) _(_) _(angle) increases.

The further addition of waveguides 254 and 258 in combination withshield members 253 and 257 may enable the distance between adjacentcouple pairs to be further reduced, at least relative to the “air only”and “shield” embodiments. For example, in “waveguide and shield”embodiments, the distance can be defined by d_(wg) _(_) _(shield). Thedistance, d_(wg) _(_) _(shield), can be less than d_(air) andd_(shield). The distance, d_(wg) _(_) _(shield), can be greater than,equal to, or less than d_(pivot) _(_) _(angle), depending on a varietyof factors. The factors can include effectiveness of the shielding andthe waveguide.

The distance between coupled pairs of EHF transceivers is referred toherein as working distance. This is the distance signals must travelfrom one EHF transceiver to another EHF transceiver in thepoint-to-point contactless communication. The working distance can beanalogous to the distance d_(pivot) _(_) _(angle). The distance betweenadjacent EHF transceivers on the same board is referred to herein asseparation distance. The separation distance can be analogous tod_(air), d_(shield), and d_(wg) _(_) _(shield). The relationship betweenworking distance and separation distance can vary based on manydifferent parameters including, for example, the carrier frequency ofthe EHF transceivers, the power being supplied to the EHF transceivers,whether air is the dielectric between coupled pairs of transceivers,whether a dielectric coupling member physically couples the coupled pairof transceivers, whether air is the only medium between adjacent EHFtransceivers, whether a shielding member is used in between adjacent EHFtransceivers, or whether waveguides are used. For example, the use of adielectric coupling member (discussed below) that physically couples acoupled pair of transceivers can enable the working distance to farexceed the separation distance.

The use of multiple adjacent EHF transceivers on same board may bepossible because the EHF transceivers operate at frequency ranges of 30Gigahertz or 60 Gigahertz or more. This enables the separation distancebetween immediately adjacent EHF transceivers to be less than 10centimeters, less than 8 centimeters, less than 5 centimeters, less than4 centimeters, or less than 3 centimeters, less than 2 centimeters, lessthan 1 centimeter, less than 9 millimeters, less than 8 millimeters,less than 7 millimeters, less than 6 millimeters, or about 5millimeters. Embodiments devoid of a dielectric coupling medium thatrely only on air as the separation medium may have a greater separationdistance than embodiments that use shielding and/or waveguides.

Although not specifically shown in FIG. 2H, a waveguide embodiment canexist in which no shield members are present. In such an embodiment, theuse of the waveguide can help reduce the distance needed between coupledpairs of transceivers in order to prevent cross-talk even though noshield member is present.

FIG. 2I shows an illustrative top view of a portion of hinge 270 withseveral coupled pairs of EHF transceivers, according to variousembodiments. Hinge 270 is similar in many respects to hinge 250 of FIG.2H, except in hinge 270, many different dielectric coupling membersexist between coupled pairs of EHF transceivers. The actual hingeportions that enable a pivot and/or rotation motion are not shown. Thedielectric coupling members can assist in maintaining contactlesscommunication between coupled pairs of EHF transceivers, and can furtherensure that contactless communication is maintained throughout theentire range of motion of hinge 270. The dielectric members can take anyshape and construction. For example, in some embodiments, the dielectricmembers can be flexible so that they move in conjunction with the movinghinge members. In other embodiments, the dielectric members can berigid. Rigid dielectric members may abut waveguide members of each hingemember to ensure the contactless coupling is maintained through ahinge's range of motion. The material composition of the dielectriccoupling members can include one more plastics, or a combination ofplastic(s) and metal(s). Plastic(s) only constructions may rely on airto isolate one dielectric coupling member from another. Plastic(s) andmetal(s) constructions may use metal to isolate one dielectric couplingmember from another.

Dielectric coupling member 262 may be a flexible structure that connectsEHF transceivers 252 a and 256 a to each other. Similarly, dielectriccoupling member 263 may be another flexible structure that connects EHFtransceivers 252 b and 256 b to each other. Dielectric coupling members262 and 263 may be discrete components that are not connected to eachother, and in which air can serve as the isolating medium. Thedimensions of dielectric coupling members 262 and 263 can take anysuitable shape. For example, coupling member 262 can have a width thatis approximately the same width of EHF transceivers 252 a and 256 a. Itis understood that the width of coupling member 262 is limited as such,and that it can be wider or narrower than shown. For example, dielectriccoupling member 263 shows that the width can be narrower than the widthof EHF transceivers 252 a and 256 a.

Dielectric coupling member 265 may be a flexible structure flanked bymetal shield coupling members 264 and 266, and dielectric couplingmember 267 may also be a flexible structure flanked by metal shieldingcoupling members 266 and 268. As shown, the dimensions of dielectriccoupling member 265 may align with EHF transceivers 252 c and 256 c, andthe dimensions of dielectric coupling member 267 may align withwaveguides 254 and 258. Metal shield coupling members 264 and 266 canisolate coupling member 265 from coupling members 263 and 267. As shown,shielding members 264, 266, and 268 are co-aligned with respectiveshield members 253 and 257, though it is understood that such alignmentis not mandatory. In some embodiments, metal shielding members 264, 266,and 268 may be discrete components that are placed adjacent todielectric coupling members. In other embodiments, the metal shieldingmembers can be integrally formed with a dielectric coupling member. Thismay be advantageous for providing a contiguous structure that isseparated into discrete contactless pathways (one for each coupled pair)by the metal shielding members. For example, coupling member 265 may beintegrally formed with metal shielding coupling members 264 and 266, andcoupling member 267 may be integrally formed with metal shieldingcoupling members 266 and 268.

In some embodiments (not shown), a combination of different plastic andmetal structures can be disposed directly on the EHF transceiversthemselves to extend and/or shape the wireless emissions through theair. Examples of such structures can be found in commonly assigned,co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 13/963,199. These structures can beused in lieu of a dielectric coupling member.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, illustrative hinge 300 with co-aligned pairsof EHF transceivers is shown. As shown, hinge 300 can include member310, which has male hinge members 311 and 312, and member 320, which hasfemale hinge members 321 and 322. In some embodiments, members 310 and320 can be generic representations of enclosures (e.g., enclosures 110and 120). In other embodiments, members 310 and 320 can be structuresthat are incorporated into a device that enables the enclosures of thedevice to pivot (e.g., member 310 is fixed to enclosure 212 and member320 is fixed to enclosure 213). Male hinge members 311 and 312 mayinterface with female hinge members 321 and 322, respectively, so thatmember 310 can pivot with respect to member 320, or vice versa.

Member 310 can have circuit board 313 disposed thereon, and EHFtransceivers 314 a-d can be mounted to board 313. Conductor 315 may bephysically coupled to board 313 and traces (not shown) can be routed todifferent EHF transceivers 314 a-d. Member 320 can have a similararrangement in which circuit board 323 is disposed thereon, and EHFtransceivers 324 a-d can be mounted to board 323. Conductors 325 may bephysically coupled to board 323 and traces (not shown) can be routed todifferent EHF transceivers 324 a-d. EHF transceiver 314 a is alignedwith EHF transceiver 324 a, and EHF transceiver 314 b is aligned withEHF transceiver 324 b, EHF transceiver 314 c is aligned with EHFtransceiver 324 c, and EHF transceiver 314 d is aligned with EHFtransceiver 324 d. The alignment is such that regardless of the positionof member 310 with respect to member 320, the distance between each pairof EHF transceivers does not exceed a predetermined threshold. Thus,even if member 320 is pivoted 0, 90, or 180 degrees away from member 310(as illustrated in FIGS. 3B-3D) the separation distance is controlled toensure that the close proximity coupling among each EHF transceiver pairis maintained.

FIGS. 3B-3D shows illustrative cross-sectional views of hinge 300 ofFIG. 3A in different pivot positions according to various embodiments.Some of the FIGS. show illustrative contactless signals emanating fromone of the transceiver; these signals are shown by a series of dashedlines. In particular, FIG. 3B shows member 320 is pivoted 180 degreesaway from member 310. The distance between transceivers 314 and 324 isd₁₈₀, where d represents a predetermined distance. FIG. 3C shows member320 is pivoted 90 degrees away from member 310, and that the distancebetween transceivers 314 and 324 is d₉₀. FIG. 3D shows member 320 ispivoted 0 degrees away from member 310, and that the distance betweentransceivers 314 and 324 is d₀. Each of the distances, d₀, d₉₀, and d₁₈₀are less than a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold canbe a maximum distance of separation between coupled pairs of EHFtransceivers in which minimum performance metrics associated with thatcoupled pair can be sustained. For example, if the performance metricsrequire a minimum data throughput with a maximum data packet resendrate, an appropriate distance threshold can be selected to achieve thosemetrics.

Note the absence of any physical medium existing within the spacebetween each pair of EHF transceivers. As shown, and in this particularembodiment, air may serve as the transmission medium. That is, there isno physical interface coupling any one of transceivers 314 a-d torespective ones of transceivers 324 a-d. The physical couplings of hinge300 can exist solely in the male and female hinge members.

FIG. 4A shows illustrative hinge 400 incorporating waveguide members inaccordance with an embodiment. Hinge 400 can be similar in many respectto hinge 300 of FIG. 3A, except now, hinge 400 can include waveguidemembers 440 a-d and 450 a-d. In particular, each waveguide member 440a-440 d may be disposed over respective EHF transceiver 314 a-314 d andeach waveguide member 450 a-450 d may be disposed over respective EHFtransceiver 324 a-324 d. In some embodiments, waveguide members 440 and450 can completely encapsulate the EHF transceivers, and otherembodiments, members 440 and 450 may be placed adjacent to the EHFtransceivers. Waveguide members 440 and 450 can be operative to guide orfocus the transmission of data between the EHF transceivers, and in someembodiments, can further ensure that close proximity coupling ismaintained throughout a desired range of motion. In some embodiments,members 440 and 450 may serve as a collimator for their respectivetransceivers. Waveguide members 440 and 450 can be constructed from anysuitable material, including, for example, plastics. Moreover, waveguidemembers 440 and 450 can be constructed to take any suitable shape. Insome embodiments, the shape of waveguide members 440 and 450 can beshaped to maximize the close proximity coupling for the hinge's range ofmotion. In other embodiments, waveguide members 440 and 450 may beconstructed such that interference fits exist between them (asillustrated below in FIGS. 4C and 4D). Such a construction can ensure aphysical dielectric coupling exists between each coupled pair.

Hinge 400 can optionally include shield members 460 a-460 c disposed asshown between EHF transceivers 314 a-314 d, and shield members 470 a-470c disposed as shown between EHF transceivers 324 a-324 d. Shield members460 a-460 c and 470 a-470 c may be constructed from, for example, ametal and may take any suitable shape. The shape as shown for shieldmembers 460 a-460 c and 470 a-470 c include a semi-circular shape. Hinge400 can optionally include one or more dielectric coupling members (notshown) that are operative to physically couple coupled pairs of EHFtransceivers together. An example of this is shown in FIGS. 4B and 4I,below.

FIGS. 4B-4D show illustrative cross-sectional views of hinge 400 of FIG.4A in different pivot positions and with different waveguide shapes,according to various embodiments. As shown, waveguide members 440 and450 can completely encapsulate transceivers 314 and 324, respectively.Moreover, members 440 and 450 are shown to have particular shapes, 441and 451, respectively, that may assist in focusing transmission ofcontactless signals between transceivers 314 and 324. FIG. 4B shows thatwaveguides 440 and 450 both have concave shapes 441 and 451,respectively, that interface with dielectric coupling member 462.Members 310 and 320 may each independently rotate about dielectriccoupling member 462. FIG. 4C shows that waveguide 440 has concave shape441 and waveguide 450 has a bulbous shape. The bulbous shape ofwaveguide 450 may interface fit with the concave shape 441. When member320 pivots with respect to member 310, the bulbous shape of waveguide450 may maintain its interface fit within concave shape 441. FIG. 4Dshows that waveguide 440 has bulbous shape 442 and waveguide 450 hasconcave shape 451. Waveguide 450 may maintain an interface fit withwaveguide 440. In particular, waveguide 450 may rotate around bulbousshape 442 while simultaneously maintaining contact with waveguide 440.Further note, that in FIG. 4B, dielectric coupling 462 that is separatefrom waveguides 440 and 450 may provide a rigid physical interface forcoupling transceivers 314 and 324. In FIGS. 4C and 4D, however, thewaveguides can serve as the transmission medium.

FIGS. 4E-4H show different views of an electronic device in differentconfigurations, according to some embodiments. In particular, FIG. 4Eshows the electronic device in a closed configuration, FIGS. 4F and 4Gshows different partially open configurations, and FIG. 4H shows a fullyopen configuration. Each one of FIGS. 4E-4H can include enclosure 460,enclosure 470, and hinge 480. Enclosures 460 and 470 can be connectedtogether via hinge 480. Enclosure 460 can include waveguide 462 and EHFtransceiver 464. Waveguide 462 may have a hook shape that follows ormimics the contour of hinge 480. In some embodiments, waveguide 462 maybe at least partially integrated with hinge 480. Enclosure 470 caninclude waveguide 472 and EHF transceiver 474. Waveguide 472 may be inphysical contact with waveguide 462 independent of enclosure 460'sposition with respect to enclosure 470. That is, waveguide 472 canfollow the hook contour of waveguide 462 to ensure a close proximitycoupling is maintained between EHF transceivers 464 and 474.

FIG. 4I shows an illustrative cross-sectional view of hinge 400 of FIG.4A that includes dielectric coupling member 491, according to variousembodiments. As shown, waveguide members 440 and 450 are omitted, butthey can be included, if desired. Dielectric coupling member 491 canprovide a physical medium for physically coupling EHF transceiver 314 toEHF transceiver 324. In one embodiment, dielectric coupling member 491may be a flexible coupling member.

In other embodiments, the close proximity coupling between respectivepairs of EHF transceivers can be maintained or enhanced using EHFwaveguide hinges according to various embodiments. EHF waveguide hingesaccording to embodiments herein can perform two duties: (1) providehinge support for enabling two enclosures to move with respect to eachother and (2) serve as a waveguide for the contactless transmissionsbetween coupled pairs of transceivers. The hinge and the waveguide canbe one and the same. The hinge support can be provided in a variety ofways. For example, as previously shown in FIG. 2, electronic devices canuse different hinges according to various embodiments. The waveguidingduty of the hinges can be implemented in several ways, many of which arediscussed in detail in connection with FIGS. 5-10. In general, thewaveguiding construction of the hinges can assist in the propagation ofcontactless signals between coupled pairs of EHF transceivers.

FIG. 5 shows an illustrative EHF waveguide hinge 500 according to anembodiment. Hinge 500 can include socket member 510 (e.g., a femalemember) and joint member 520 (e.g., a male member). Joint member 520 maybe movably secured by socket member 510 and can rotate with respectthereto. Socket member 510 and joint member 520 may be constructed froma dielectric material such as plastic. Socket member 510 partiallyencloses joint member 520. This can be seen by the “c-shape” of member510 that partially surrounds joint member 520, which can exhibit acylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the c-shape of socket member 510can define the rotation limits of joint member 520. In particular,rotation stops 511 and 512 can define the rotation limit of joint member520. Member 521, which can be mated or integrally coupled to jointmember 520, may protrude from an outer periphery of member 520 and abuteither rotation stop 511 or 512 depending on a rotation angle of member520. In some embodiments, socket member 510 can be constructed to permitany desired range of motion. For example, the range of motion can rangefrom 0 to 270 degrees, 0 to 180 degrees, or 0 to 120 degrees.

Socket member 510 can be coupled to member 513, which may have EHFtransceivers 514 a-c residing thereon. In some embodiments, socketmember 510 can fully encapsulate EHF transceivers 514 a-c, as shown.Pivot member 520 can at least partially encapsulate or fully encapsulateEHF transceivers 524 a-c residing on member 521. In some embodiments,members 513 and 521 can be printed circuit boards. EHF transceivers 514a and 524 a may form a coupled pair, and EHF transceivers 514 b and 524b may form a coupled pair, and so on. The encapsulation of transceivers514 a-c by socket member 510 and transceivers 524 a-c by pivot member520 can enable the combination of members 510 and 520 to serve as awaveguide for contactless transmissions between coupled pairs of EHFtransceivers.

Transceivers 514 a-c and 524 a-c can be effectively physically coupledtogether via the waveguide formed by the coupling of members 510 and520. Thus, in operation, even though the coupled pairs of EHFtransceivers communicate data to each other via close proximitycoupling, the close proximity coupling can be further enhanced by thecoupling of members 510 and 520. In some embodiments, this coupling canresult in a substantially robust close proximity coupling that ensurescontactless connectivity is preserved throughout hinge 500's range ofmotion.

FIG. 6 shows an illustrative view of EHF waveguide hinge 600 accordingto embodiment. As shown, hinge 600 can include male member 610 that canbe insertably coupled to female member 620. If desired, male member 610can rotate 360 degrees within female member 620. In other embodiments,male member 610 have can be limited to rotate to a predefined limit.Extension member 617, which can be integrally formed with male member610 can be, for example, secured to an enclosure of an electronicdevice. Once extension member 617 is secured, either male member 610 maybe rotated within female member 620, or female member 620 may be rotatedabout male member 610. Hinge 600 can be similar in many respects hinge500 (of FIG. 5), except now female member 620 fully encloses male member610. Male member 610 can encompass EHF transceivers 614 a-c and femalemember 620 can encompass EHF transceivers 624 a-c. When male member 610is inserted into female member 620, paired couplings can exist betweenEHF transceivers 614 a and 624 a, 614 b and 624 b, and 614 c and 624 c.The coupling of male and female members 610 and 620 can form a waveguidethat substantially enhances a close proximity coupling between eachcoupled pair.

FIG. 7 shows a detailed view of male member 610 of FIG. 6 in accordancewith embodiment. As shown, male member 610 can include a cylindricalmember that encompasses circuit board 613, which has EHF transceivers614 a-d and shield members 615 a-e mounted thereon, and conductors 616that extend from extension member 617 to various locations on circuitboard 613. Shield member 615 a-e can help reduce cross-talk amongadjacent EHF transceivers. Conductors 616 may pass through extensionmember 617 so that signals can be provided to and transported from EHFtransceivers 614 a-d. Extension member 617 may be a structurallyenhanced member that is able to withstand various stresses that may beapplied to male member 610 during use.

FIGS. 8A-8C show different views of a device using EHF waveguide hingesaccording to an embodiment. In particular, FIG. 8A shows an illustrativetop view of upper portion 810, FIG. 8B shows an illustrative top view oflower portion 820, and FIG. 8C shows an illustrative top view of device800 with upper portion 810 coupled to lower portion 820. Referring nowspecifically to FIG. 8A, upper portion 810 can include female hingemembers 811 and 812. For example, hinge members 811 and 812 can besimilar to female members 620 of FIG. 6. Female hinge members 811 and812 can encapsulate EHF transceivers 814 a and 814 b, respectively.Referring now specifically to FIG. 8B, lower portion 820 can includemale hinge members 821 and 822, which can encapsulate EHF transceivers824 a and 824 b, respectively. Male hinge members 821 and 822 can besimilar to male member 610 of FIG. 6. Referring now to FIG. 8C, whendevice 800 is constructed, the male hinge member 821 can be coupled tofemale hinge member 811 to form EHF waveguide hinge 801 and male hingemember 822 can be coupled to female hinge member 812 to form EHFwaveguide hinge 802.

Waveguide hinges 801 and 802 can serve as contactless transmissionpathways for coupled pairs of EHF transceivers and as a mechanical pivotmechanism for device 800. During pivot of upper portion 810, femalehinge members 811 and 812 may rotate about their respective male hingemembers 821 and 822. Thus, during operation of device 800, datagenerated by circuitry contained within keyboard portion 820 can betransmitted to circuitry contained within monitor portion 810 viacoupled pairs of EHF transceivers contained in hinges 801 and 802. Inaddition, any data generated by circuitry contained in monitor portion810 can be transmitted to circuitry contained within lower portion 820via EHF transceivers contained in hinges 801 and 802.

In some embodiments, power may be wirelessly transmitted from lowerportion 820 to monitor portion 810 via one or both hinges 801 and 802.In such an embodiment, wireless power transmission/reception coils (notshown) can be incorporated into hinges 801 and 802. In anotherembodiment, a combination of contactless data transmission and wiredpower transmission can be used in hinges 801 and 802. For example,contactless data transmission can be achieved according to embodimentsdescribed herein and wired power transmission may be achieved by usingan electrically conductive pathway that is incorporated into one or bothhinges 801 and 802. As shown in FIG. 8B, wired contacts 825 may beincorporated in into male hinge portions 821 and 822 for transmittingpower to contacts (not shown) contained in female hinge members 811 and812.

FIG. 9 shows a partially exploded perspective view of EHF waveguidehinge 900 according to an embodiment. Waveguide hinge 900 can enablestructure 901 to swivel freely with respect to structure 902. Forexample, waveguide hinge 900 may be used as a hinge in device 220 ofFIG. 2, which enables structure 901 to rotate 360 degrees with respectto structure 902. Male hinge member 910 can be secured to structure 901and can be removably coupled to female hinge member 920. Male hingemember 910 may have a cylindrical shape so that it can spin withinfemale hinge member 920. If desired, male hinge member 910 can beremoved from female hinge member 920 so that structure 901 can beremoved from structure 902. Male hinge member 910 can include EHFtransceivers 914 a-d that can be coupled to transceivers 924 a-d,respectively, when member 910 is secured within female member 920.Female hinge member 920 can be secured to structure 902 and can containtransceivers 924 a-d. As shown, all transceivers 924 a-d can be arrangedadjacent to a center axis of female hinge member 920. This is merelyillustrative.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show illustrative top views of different male andfemale hinges in which EHF transceivers are mounted in multiplelocations with respect to a center axis, in accordance with variousembodiments. Referring now to FIG. 10A, illustrative top views of malehinge member 1010 and female hinge member 1020 are shown. Male hingemember 1010 can include transceiver 914 a, which is aligned with axis1002, and transceiver 914 b, which is aligned with axis 1003. Axes 1002and 1003 are offset with respect to center axis 1001, but are alignedwith axis 1006. Female hinge member 1020 can include transceiver 1024 a,which is aligned with axis 1004, and transceiver 1024 b, which isaligned with axis 1005. Axes 1004 and 1005 are offset with respect tocenter axis 1001. Placement of transceivers on multiple axes can provideincreased data throughput capacity, for example.

FIG. 10B shows illustrative top views of male hinge member 1010 andfemale hinge member 1020. Male hinge member can include transceivers1014 a-d disposed on the four points of a compass. In particular,transceivers 1014 a and 1014 c are aligned with axis 1006, andtransceivers 1014 b and 1014 d are aligned with axis 1001. Transceiver1014 a is also aligned with axis 1003, transceiver 1014 b is alsoaligned with axis 1009, transceiver 1014 c is also aligned with axis1002, and transceiver 1014 d is aligned with axis 1011. Axes 1009 and1011 are offset with respect to axis 1006, and axes 1002 and 1003 areoffset to axis 1001. Female hinge member 1020 can include transceivers1024 a-d disposed on the four points of a compass. In particular,transceivers 1024 a and 1024 c are aligned with axis 1006, andtransceivers 1024 b and 1024 d are aligned with axis 1001. Transceiver1024 a is also aligned with axis 1005, transceiver 1024 b is alsoaligned with axis 1008, transceiver 1024 c is also aligned with axis1004, and transceiver 1024 d is aligned with axis 1007. Axes 1007 and1008 are offset with respect to axis 1006, and axes 1004 and 1005 areoffset to axis 1001.

FIG. 11 shows an illustrative cross-sectional view of a laptop apparatusthat uses a self-levitating hinge that uses EHF transceivers forcontactlessly transmitting data between enclosure 1110 and enclosure1120, according to various embodiments. Enclosure 1120 can be held inplace with one or more magnetic fields. Enclosure 1110 can include oneor more transceivers 1114 and enclosure 1120 can include transceivers1124. Transceivers 1114 and transceiver 1124 can form coupled pairs fortransmitting data. Waveguide 1130 may optionally be included to furtherenhance the contactless transmission of data with each coupled pair ofEHF transceivers.

The aforementioned description refers to various embodiments forenabling contactless communications between hinged components. Thefollowing description refers to various embodiments involving aself-contained, highly portable, EHF enabled display apparatus that isoperable to receive data from an “active surface” via a close proximitycoupling that exists between the EHF enabled display apparatus and theactive surface, and that processes the data for presentation on the EHFenabled display. In some embodiments the EHF enabled display apparatusmay be a card-shaped device that approximates the size of a conventionalcredit card and that may fit in a pocket, purse, or wallet. The EHFenabled display apparatus can be a relatively simple device thatincludes a display, a display controller, and EHF transceivers, andoptionally can include input circuitry such as touch sensors. The activesurface may be an apparatus that can provide data, including displaydata, to the EHF enabled display apparatus via EHF transceivers. Inaddition, the active surface may have limited input capabilities, andmay be devoid of a display. In some embodiments, the EHF enabled displayapparatus can serve as a user interface to a device—the activesurface—that does not have a user interface. In effect, it serves as agateway or window to content contained and generated by the activesurface without needing the circuitry or resources necessary forindependently generating and presenting such content itself.

The EHF enabled display apparatus may only be operative when it isplaced in close proximity of the active surface apparatus. When the EHFdisplay apparatus is placed on the active surface, a close proximitycoupling can be established that enables the active surface to providedata to the apparatus. The EHF display apparatus can then display theinformation and process inputs (e.g., touch-screen inputs, fingerrecognition, etc.) and provide those inputs to the active surface. TheEHF enabled apparatus may not function when the EHF enabled displayapparatus is not in proximity of an active surface (e.g., contained in aperson's pant pocket). Thus, when the EHF enabled device is removed fromthe active surface, it may be an inert, functionless device.

The EHF enabled display apparatus can serve as a gateway, key, or userinterface for accessing content from an active surface system, wherethat system may or may not include a user interface of its own. In oneembodiment, based on security information contained in the EHF displayapparatus and/or user input, a user of the EHF display apparatus may bepresented with selective content based on that user's security/accesscredentials. For example, a first user may be granted a first level ofaccess based on his credentials, and a second user may be granted asecond level of access based on his credentials, where the second levelof access is greater than the first level of access. The active surfacecan provide content and/or access to the content that is commensuratewith the user's level of access. In some embodiments, the EHF enableddisplay apparatus can be used to authenticate a user transaction such asa payment card transaction or it can be used as an access card. Ifdesired, two factor authentication may be required by an active surfacebefore the EHF display apparatus is permitted to access content. Twofactor authentication can require that user use the appropriate EHFdisplay apparatus and provide an appropriate user input (e.g.,fingerprint, pin code, facial recognition, retina recognition, etc.). Inother embodiments, the EHF enabled display apparatus may be used an IDcard. For example, when the ID card is placed on an active surface, adefault image of the user may be displayed.

The same EHF enabled display apparatus may be used with multipledifferent active surfaces, and each active surface can provide its localdata to the display apparatus. The content presented by each activesurface to the user via the EHF enabled display apparatus may bedifferent, but the underlying technology for enabling it may be thesame. For example, if one active surface includes a security accesspanel and another active surface includes a general purpose computer,the EHF enabled display apparatus may display a keypad when placed onthe security access panel, and the EHF enabled display apparatus maydisplay a touchscreen user interface when placed on the general purposecomputer.

FIG. 12 shows an illustrative system 1200 including display apparatus1210 and active surface apparatus 1250 according to an embodiment.Display apparatus 1210 can include display 1211, display controller1212, EHF transceivers 1214, and optional input processor 1215. In someembodiments, display apparatus 1210 can include a power source such as abattery, power contacts for received power via wired connection,wireless energy capture circuitry for harnessing power being transmittedby active surface apparatus 1250. or a combination thereof (none ofwhich are shown). Active surface apparatus 1250 can include processor1251, memory 1252, storage 1253, EHF transceivers 1254, andauthentication circuitry 1255. Active surface apparatus 1255 can includepower contacts for transferring power via wired connection (not shown)or wireless power transfer circuitry (not shown) for transmitting powerto display apparatus 1210. In some embodiments, active surface apparatus1250 can be devoid of a display. In another embodiment, active surfaceapparatus 1250 can be devoid of user interface. In other embodiments,active surface apparatus 1250 can only be accessed via display apparatus1210.

Display 1211 can be any suitable display for displaying media such astext, graphics, movies, etc. Display 1211 may be driven by displaycontroller 1212, which can receive display data from EHF transceivers1214. In some embodiments, input processor 1215 can be included forprocessing user inputs made on apparatus 1210. For example, inputprocessor 1215 can process finger prints as part of two-factorauthentication process. As another example, input processor 1215 canprocess touch inputs made on display 1211. As a further example, inputprocessor 1215 can process facial or retina recognition features.

Processor 1251 can be any suitable processor. Memory 1252 can be anysuitable volatile memory such as DRAM and storage can be any suitablenon-volatile memory for storing data such as a hard-disk drive or NandFlash. Authentication circuitry 1255 may be able to authenticate thecredentials of apparatus 1210 interfacing with apparatus 1250.

When apparatus 1210 is placed on active surface apparatus 1250, a closeproximity coupling 1260 can be established between EHF transceivers 1214and 1254. When coupling 1260 is established, data can be transmittedbetween apparatus 1210 and active surface apparatus 1250. In someembodiments, apparatus 1210 can be authenticated before any data isprovided to apparatus 1210. Once authentication is complete, a user maybe able to access data contained in active surface apparatus 1250 byinterfacing with display 1211 of apparatus 1210. Referring now to FIGS.13A and 13B, different illustrative views of content being presented ona display apparatus are shown.

FIG. 13A shows active surface apparatus 1300 on which display apparatus1310 is placed. Display apparatus 1310 may be associated with a firstuser, and as a result, apparatus 1300 may supply content only availableto the first user. FIG. 13B shows the same active surface apparatus 1300of FIG. 13A, but a different display apparatus 1320 is placed thereon.Display apparatus 1320 may be associated with a second user, and as aresult, apparatus 1300 may supply content only available to the seconduser.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show illustrative cross-sectional views of displayapparatus 1410 being placed on active surface apparatus 1420, accordingto some embodiments. Display apparatus 1410 may include, among otherfeatures, top layer 1411, bottom layer 1412, and EHF transceivers 1414.Transceiver 1414 may be sandwiched between layers 1411 and 1412. Activesurface apparatus 1420 may include, among other features, top layer1421, bottom layer 1422, and EHF transceivers 1424. Transceiver 1412 maybe sandwiched between layers 1421 and 1422. Referring now specificallyto FIG. 14A, active surface apparatus 1420 is shown to have a relativelyflat surface. As a result, because display apparatus 1410 may beflexible, it too is shown to be relatively flat. When display apparatus1410 is placed on active surface apparatus 1420, transceivers 1414 and1424 are aligned. In contrast, in FIG. 14B, active surface apparatus1420 has a curved surface. Display apparatus 1410 can mimic the curve ofapparatus 1420 when it is placed thereon. Even with the curve,transceivers 1414 and 1424 can be sufficiently aligned to ensure acontactless connection is maintained.

Whereas many alterations and modifications of the present invention willno doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art afterhaving read the foregoing description, it is to be understood that theparticular embodiments shown and described by way of illustration are inno way intended to be considered limiting. Therefore, reference to thedetails of the preferred embodiments is not intended to limit theirscope.

1.-19. (canceled)
 20. Contactless display apparatus for use with anactive surface apparatus, the contactless display apparatus comprising:a display; display controller coupled to the display; and at least oneextremely high frequency (EHF) transceiver coupled to the displaycontroller, wherein the at least one EHF transceiver receives data fromthe active surface apparatus via a close proximity coupling that existsbetween the contactless display apparatus and the active surfaceapparatus, and wherein the received data is processed by the displaycontroller for presentation on the display; and a processor operativeto: provide access credentials to the active surface apparatus; andreceive content via the at least one EHF transceiver that iscommensurate with the access credentials provided to the active surfaceapparatus.
 21. The contactless display apparatus of claim 20, whereinthe display activates when the contactless displayed apparatus is placedin proximity of the active surface apparatus.
 22. The contactlessdisplays apparatus of claim 20, wherein the at least one EHF transceivercomprises at least two EHF transceivers.
 23. The contactless displayapparatus of claim 20, further comprising: a user interface, whereinuser interface commands are transmitted to the active surface apparatusvia the at least one EHF transceiver.
 24. The contactless displayapparatus of claim 20, further comprising: authentication circuitry thatidentifies the contactless display apparatus to the active surfaceapparatus.
 25. The contactless display apparatus of claim 24 receivesdata commensurate with the identity provided to the active surfaceapparatus.
 26. The contactless display apparatus of claim 20, furthercomprising a power source operative to independently provide power tothe display, display controller and the at least one EHF transceiver.27. The contactless display apparatus of claim 20, further comprisingpower circuitry for receiving power from a remote power source, whereinthe power transfer circuitry is operative to provide received power tothe display, display controller and the at least one EHF transceiver.28. The contactless display apparatus of claim 27, wherein the powercircuitry wirelessly receives power from the remote power source. 29.The contactless display apparatus of claim 20, wherein the display, thedisplay circuitry, and the at least one EHF transceiver reside on aflexible substrate
 30. The contactless display apparatus of claim 20,further comprising a user interface, wherein a user can navigate throughcontent available on the active surface apparatus using the userinterface.
 31. The contactless display apparatus of claim 20, furthercomprising user interface circuitry that processes user interface eventsand provides user interface event data to the at least one EHFtransceiver, which transmits the user interface data to the activesurface apparatus via a close proximity coupling.
 32. The contactlessdisplay apparatus of claim 31, wherein the user interface data isselected from the group consisting of audio data, video data, touchevent data, and combination thereof.
 33. The contactless displayapparatus of claim 23, wherein the user interface comprises a touchscreen user interface and fingerprint scanner.
 34. An extremely highfrequency (EHF) waveguide hinge, comprising: a first hinge membercomprising a first waveguide member and a first EHF transceiver, whereinthe first waveguide member at least partially encompasses the first EHFtransceiver; a second hinge member comprising a second waveguide memberand a second EHF transceiver, wherein the second waveguide member atleast partially encompasses the second EHF transceiver; wherein thefirst and second hinge members are coupled together via the first andsecond waveguide members; and wherein the first and second waveguidemembers assist in preserving the close proximity coupling by serving astransmission mediums for contactless signals being passed between thefirst and second EHF transceivers via the close proximity coupling. 35.The EHF waveguide hinge of claim 34, wherein the first and second hingemembers are removably coupled together.
 36. The EHF waveguide hinge ofclaim 34, wherein the first waveguide member comprises a cylindricalshape, and wherein the second waveguide member comprises a hollowcylindrical shape constructed to receive the cylindrical shape of thefirst waveguide member.
 37. The EHF waveguide hinge of claim 34, whereinthe first waveguide member comprises a cylindrical shape, and whereinthe second waveguide member comprises a c-shape constructed to clamparound a portion of the first waveguide member.
 38. The EHF waveguidehinge of claim 34, wherein the first and second waveguide members areconstructed from a plastic.
 39. The EHF waveguide hinge of claim 34,wherein the first hinge member comprises a first plurality of EHFtransceivers, including the first EHF transceiver, and wherein thesecond hinge member comprises a second plurality of EHF transceivers,including the second EHF transceiver.
 40. The EHF waveguide hinge ofclaim 39, wherein a distance between any two immediately adjacent EHFtransceivers in the first plurality is less than 8 centimeters. 41.(canceled)
 42. The contactless displays apparatus of claim 22, wherein adistance between any two immediately adjacent EHF transceivers is lessthan 5 centimeters.
 43. The contactless display apparatus of claim 42,wherein the distance is less than 1 centimeter.